ONTARIO – Jean-Francois Berube kept the Reign in Wednesday’s game long enough for them to break it open with three third-period goals and a 4-1 victory over the Stockton Thunder in front of 6,470 fans at Citizens Business Bank Arena.

Berube won his third consecutive game by turning aside 37 of 38 shots.

“I think Berube came up big, he played a heck of a game tonight for sure. I really liked how he competed,” head coach Jason Christie said.

Berube was spectacular on a night when the Reign went 5 for 5 on the power play and scored a shorthanded goal.

“Of course, you’re staying more in the game but at the same time it gets hard on your body to face 30-plus shots a game,” Berube said. “The only thing you can control is your own job, so I was just doing my thing.”

The Reign held onto first place in the Pacific Division and continued their pursuit of the Alaska Aces for the top spot in the Western Conference.

“It’s huge having four games against Alaska at the end of the year,” Berube said. “We have a chance to reach them for first overall. We want to have that bye at the beginning of the playoffs.

“At this time of year, rest is a weapon.”

The Reign sealed the win with 6:54 left on a goal by Cameron Burt.

Jordan Fulton swept in a one-timer on the shift following the Reign’s third goal to get one back for the Thunder.

Everett Sheen glided behind the defense and ripped a wrist shot past Olivier Roy for an insurance goal that gave the Reign a 3-0 lead 6:55 into the third period.

Just 99 seconds into the final period Tristan King found a fluttering puck in prime scoring position he snapped past Roy for a 2-0 lead.

That goal extended King’s scoring streak to eight games and 11 points. The goal, which stood as the game-winner, was his first during the streak.

“He’s working hard, he’s putting pucks at the net, he’s making good plays for other players and tonight he scored,” Berube said.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com.